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The Specialized S-Works Tarmac has picked up multiple Grand Tour victories and two World Championships since its debut, proving its illustrious pedigree. To get the weight below 800 grams for the latest iteration, Specialized utilized advanced aerospace composite optimization software to revolutionize the construction and layup of their new FACT 12r carbon. The material optimization has allowed them to shed nearly 200 grams.

In their search to save every last gram, the S-Works Tarmac Ultralight also uses a newly developed paint finish that further reduces weight. In combination with their improved preparation process, it achieves a paint job that has the same weight as nine gummy bears, or 10 grams.

And while stiffness aids in the aforementioned, compliance must also be utilized for an optimal ride quality. That's why they designed a seatpost that builds compliance into the upper 120mm where clamping doesn't happen, dropped the seatstays, and altered the seat tube shape. They also added tire clearance up to 30mm, which translates to a 28mm Turbo Cotton on a Roval CLX 50 wheel. This allows lower pressures for decreased rolling resistance, increased traction, and more comfort. Altogether, these additions still have the Tarmac riding like a true race-machine, but just takes a bit of the sting out of those road imperfections.

Specialized knows that aerodynamics are the most important thing they can do to make you faster. Both Bora-Hansgrohe and Team Quick Step Floors Pro Tour riders, after all, are demanding aero improvements on every bike. With this, the aero goal was to discover where they could essentially "add aero for free," by not taking anything away from the hallmarks of the Tarmac design. During the six-month iterative process, three areas were discovered where they could do this—a new fork shape, dropped seatstays with aero tubes, and a d-shaped seatpost and seat tube. The result? A bike that's approximately 45 seconds faster over 40km compared to other lightweight bikes in the same category. A speed savings that you'll feel when you're attacking off the front of the peloton.

- A 52/36T S-Works carbon fiber crankset delivers the ultimate in power delivery, with a chainring grouping that's equally suited to big alpine climbs as it is to throwing down the gauntlet on the flats.

Electronic drivetrain systems deliver excellent shifting, easy set up, and solid battery life. Here are some benefits of electronic shifting that you don't want to miss.

Shifting Performance

Electronic shifting systems use powerful servo motors to rapidly shift the chain. Because microprocessors and sensors constantly monitor every aspect of the system, they shift with surgical precision and without chain rub.

Customization

Many major systems have customizable shifting. Some have the ability to add remote shifters for common riding positions, and some even allow you to change the functions of the shifting buttons.

Dependability

Electronic groupsets are responsive and consistent. There are no cables to stretch and wear out, so you get a flawless shift every time. The added bonus is you'll never have to replace a derailleur cable ever again.